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This occurred on a day of rest, and I felt grumpy enough, topping off my mother's vehicle. The location was a common fuel stop that also functions as a grocery store, which often leads of waiting behind people bearing baskets of somewhat expensive items. A terrible fate to unfold when the sole aim is to get gasoline and leave. Dreadful.

My position was fourth in the waiting line. A single cashier operating, a female attendant. A peculiar quality in her demeanor. When the faffer at the head of the line had at last settled for a cleaning product, his pastry, and some breakfast items, I could have sworn I heard the cashier wish him an excellent day. Unusual. Maybe it was a mistake, or maybe she did say it and used a mocking tone. I pondered if she could even be a comrade in my fight against faff, sharing my contempt for those who delay straightforward customers including me.

I moved up, to third in the queue. The person ahead of our line discharged her fuel-only transaction with commendable speed. And there it was again: “Wishing you a marvelous day.” No, actually, it was “enjoy a truly great day”. An American? At this location? Her tone suggested it, and no British person tells people such a cheerful phrase, or merely a pleasant day. Very rare. Rarely does one encounter people from America visiting this town, and definitely not holding jobs in fueling spots or anywhere else.

Now I stood second. Behind a poor older woman engaged in a right old battle with her carryall, her purchases, her handbag and her membership pass. The process dragged on. Once completed, she too received the wish an excellent day. Yes, American for sure. I might have verified it by making a witty remark to her, to observe that thing as they gaze at you, unsmilingly, and state very earnestly: “You are very amusing.” However, nothing occurred of anything hilarious to say.

I just had to settle for the absolute sincerity – or an impersonation of it, that equates to the same thing – as she gazed directly into my eyes, piercingly, and wished me to have a great day. It improved my mood. A positive experience.